Key Moments:
- The community committee has rejected all three proposals for a Manhattan casino, including the Freedom Plaza project.
- The $11 billion Freedom Plaza development would have included 1,080 units of entirely affordable housing, but failed to secure approval.
- Five bids remain active for three downstate casino licenses in the New York City region.
Major Setback for Manhattan Casino Efforts
Manhattan is no longer in contention to host a new land-based casino after the community advisory committee firmly rejected a third and final proposal. The Freedom Plaza project, spearheaded by the Soloviev Group and Mohegan Gaming, was the last outstanding bid for the borough. Located near the United Nations headquarters, this $11 billion plan would have brought hotels, dining, entertainment, and a Museum of Democracy to the area.
There won't be a casino in Manhattan. Committee just rejected "Freedom Plaza" which would've placed casino right next to the U.N. This comes after casinos in Times Sq and West Side were voted down last week.
— Arun Venugopal (@arunNYC) September 22, 2025
Committee Unmoved by Last-Minute Amendments
The committee reached its decision in around 10 minutes, mirroring its earlier stance on two prior rejected proposals. Only appointees of Governor Kathy Hochul and Mayor Eric Adams favored the initiative, leaving Manhattan without a full-service casino as most of New York City’s casinos remain situated uptown.
Despite significant compromises, including several last-minute amendments dated September 18, 20, and 21, the developers failed to gain support. These updates featured a pledge to 100% affordable housing, increasing the unit count on the site to 1,080 – all affordable. Ultimately, these changes could not sway the committee, and the Freedom Plaza project’s documentation will be removed from the state Gaming Facility Location Board’s website, signaling the termination of this effort.
Larger Context: Bids and Remaining Contenders
No proposed amendments from any downstate bidders have received committee approval. Outside Manhattan, Bally’s Bronx is the only proposal for which a community advisory committee has requested further changes and received a response; however, a vote is still pending.
Recently, the committee also rejected plans for a Caesars Palace property in Times Square and Rush Gaming’s The Avernir, which was set for Hudson Yards. As a result, five candidates remain for three available downstate casino licenses in the New York City area.
| Bidder | Proposed Location |
|---|---|
| Bally’s | Bronx public golf course |
| Hard Rock International | Next to Citi Field, Queens |
| Genting | Expanding Resorts World New York City, Queens |
| MGM Resorts International | Upgrading MGM Empire City, Yonkers |
| Coney Island racino | Enhancements in Brooklyn |
Looking Ahead: Licensing Timeline
Both Las Vegas Sands and Wynn Resorts withdrew their bids earlier in the process, before reaching the community advisory committee. Regional committees must finalize recommendations by September 30, setting the stage for a decision from the state gaming commission later this year. Only proposals with committee approval will move forward. The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board intends to award the three downstate casino licenses before the end of the year.
Statements from Committee Leadership
“I’d like to thank everybody who participated in the process,” said Sandra McKee, the committee’s chairwoman. “It’s been a very robust review of all the work that’s been done by the community and the applicants. I vote nay.”
- Author
Daniel Williams
